Top 250 Franchise by Entrepreneur – Rank no. 202 – Gymboree Play & Music – US

Products & Services: Parent/child play & learning program

Number of Locations: 721

Total Investment: $108.33K – 275K

Founded: 1976

Began Franchising: 1978

About Gymboree Play & Music

San Francisco mother Joan Barnes created the Gymboree Play and Music Program in 1976 when she couldn’t find a safe place for new parents and children to play and exercise together. There are now locations across the United States and throughout the world.

Gymboree Play and Music centers offer different classes each week for children ranging from newborn through 4 years old. Classes are designed to stimulate the senses and encourage children’s development.

Where Seeking Franchisees: Franchisor is seeking new franchise units worldwide.
Startup Costs, Ongoing Fees and Financing
Total Investment: $108,333 – $275,000
Franchise Fee: $25,000 – $45,000
Ongoing Royalty Fee: 6%
Term of Franchise Agreement: 10 years, renewable
Financial Requirements
Net Worth: $250,000
Liquid Cash Available: $70,000
Operations
44% of all franchisees own more than one unit. Number of employees needed to run franchised unit: 3 – 4. Absentee ownership of franchise is NOT allowed. (100% of current franchisees are owner/operators).

How This Franchise Supports Franchisees
Training: Available at headquarters: 8 days. At regional location : 2 days biannually.
Ongoing Support: Newsletter, Meetings, Toll-free phone line, Grand opening, Internet, Field operations/evaluations, Purchasing cooperatives
Marketing Support: Co-op advertising, Ad slicks, National media, Regional advertising,
Franchise Ranking History
Franchise 500®: #202 (2013), #302 (2012), #226 (2011), #311 (2010), #211 (2009),
America’s Top Global: #51 (2013), #177 (2011), #162 (2009),

Why Gymboree?
We’re the Global Leader in Classes for Kids

Gymboree Play & Music has been fostering creativity and confidence in children ages 0-5 for over 30 years. Today there are over 550 locations in 30 countries, making us the global leader in early childhood development programs. Designed by experts, our age-appropriate activities help develop the cognitive, physical and social skills of children as they play. Our programs are also recognized for their unique approach to parent involvement—which encourages participation in and understanding of each child’s development.
We Are The Experts in Early Childhood Development

Our class curriculum is developed by our experienced child development program directors and incorporate a balanced whole-child approach with activities to support what your child is mastering right now and what he or she will aspire to later. Classes are designed in 6-month increments to meet a child’s unique interests and abilities. From birth to age 5, there’s always something special awaiting you and your child at Gymboree Play & Music.
Our Locations Are Safe Places to Play and Learn

We provide an environment where children are free to move, play and explore safely. Our proprietary equipment was designed by Jay Beckwith, a nationally respected playground designer with more than 30 years of experience, who created every structure with the needs of children in mind. Our play environments are designed to deliver the high-quality standard parents expect for their children.
Our History

Gymboree began in 1976 when Joan Barnes, a mother from Marin County, California, tried to find a safe, fun place featuring age-appropriate activities for parents and young children to play together. Unable to do so, she did what any enterprising person would; she started her own program! We’ve been proudly inspiring parents and children ever since.
We Have Great Member Benefits

We have so much to offer you and your child at Gymboree. When you become a member, you’ll not only enjoy our classes each week, but also receive Gymboree clothing discounts, free classes, parent handouts and more. Get more information about our great member benefits!

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Phone Customer Service

1-877-4-GYMWEB
(1-877-449-6932)

Customer Service Hours

M-F: 6am – 7pm PT
Sat: 7am – 3pm PT
Sun: 8am – 4pm PT

Source: http://www.gymboreeclasses.com